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Minister Griffin Welcomes Ireland's Participation in The European Week Of Sport

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin T.D, today welcomed Ireland's participation in the 2017 European Week of Sport.

Over four hundred sport and physical activity events will take place across Ireland from 23rd - 30th September.

Sport Ireland is the national co-ordinator for what is the European Week of Sport, which aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe.

Speaking about the EU wide event, Minister Griffin commented: "Over the last two years the European Week of Sport has provided many excellent opportunities to promote all forms of sport and physical activity right across Ireland. This week will again see a host of events taking place throughout the country giving us all the chance to get out and get involved. I would encourage everyone to use the European Week of Sport as the spur to increase our participation in sport and to commit ourselves to getting more active as often as possible.”

Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of Sport Ireland, commented: "For the third year running Sport Ireland is delighted to lead the European Week of Sport initiative. One of the key strategic objectives of Sport Ireland is increasing participation in sport and physical activity and with almost 1.7 million Irish adults currently participating in sport regularly we are determined to get as many people active as possible. Initiatives such as this are a great way of encouraging people to get out and get active.”

One of the flagship events for the European Week of Sport in Ireland will be the Great Dublin Bike Ride (GDBR). The cycle is open to participants of all abilities, from novice to expert with a 60km and 100km route available, taking place on Sunday 24th September. Other flagship events taking place across Ireland include the Family SportFest on the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Sport Against Racism Ireland Soccerfest, National Fitness Day, parkrun events, the #BeActive Schools Campaign andLaser Run Fingal with Pentathlon Ireland..

European Week of Sport Ambassador Killian Byrne said “Since my time on Operation Transformation I have discovered that staying active is so important for both my physical and mental wellbeing. As a family we have discovered so many great things to do together, right on our doorstep, that are both fun and healthy and I look forward to using the European Week of Sport to try something new to help us continue to #BeActive”

Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy said: "The European Week of Sport in 2016 was a major success, with over 480 sport and physical events taking place throughout the country. Sport Ireland will continue to build on this platform going into this year’s event and highlight the many opportunities to integrate sport and physical activity into our daily lives - regardless of our age, fitness level or background.

“I would like to acknowledge the large number of sport, health and education agencies in Ireland including Healthy Ireland, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships, Active School Flag, parkrun and Ireland Active for their support and contribution."

A full listing of events scheduled for the European week of Sport is available on the Sport Ireland website HERE and everyone is encouraged and invited to get involved and participate in their local events.

Notes to the Editor:

Sport Ireland is the national co-ordinator for the European Week of Sport in Ireland. The 2017 European Week of Sport and Physical Activity will be celebrated across Ireland from 23rd-30th September 2017.

The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, it will inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples' everyday lives to exercise more. As an annual event, the European Week of Sport will inspire all kinds of creative and exciting events and activities in different countries.